Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

This volume offers a timely snapshot of current theory and research in the field of psychology in foreign language learning. It makes a powerful case for a more prominent role for psychology in language learning theory and emphasizes the importance of an understanding of psychological factors for enhancing pedagogical practice. Featuring contributions from leading researchers from around the world, the chapters are designed to be accessible to both specialists and non-specialists. Each chapter focuses on a different psychological construct and provides an overview of current thinking in the area drawing on insights from educational psychology, as well as an example of current research carried out by the authors. The wide range of theoretical perspectives and research approaches are unified by a common concern for the practical realities facing teachers and learners, making this book essential reading for anyone with an interest in the psychology of learning a foreign language.

About the Author

SARAH MERCER Lecturer at the University of Graz, Austria. Her research interests include all aspects of language learner psychology, in particular, affect, beliefs, mindsets and the self. Recently she has become especially interested in complexity perspectives on these areas. She is also the author of the book Towards an Understanding of Language Learner Self-concept.

STEPHEN RYAN Associate Professor in the School of Economics at Senshu University, Tokyo, Japan. He is interested in all aspects of language learning psychology, but especially issues of learner motivation and identity connected to the role of English as a language of globalization.

MARION WILLIAMS was formerly Reader in Applied Linguistics at the University of Exeter, UK, where she co-ordinated the post-graduate programmes in TESOL. She is interested in all aspects of psychology in language learning. Her research interests include motivation, attributions and teacher education. She is the joint author of Psychology for Language Teachers: A Social Constructivist Approach.

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